The small town of Amherst, Wisconsin was left reeling after a shocking tragedy struck Biadasz Farms. A 29-year-old farmer, Michael Biadasz, and 16 of his cattle were found dead in a manure holding tank on the family farm. The investigation revealed that a rare atmospheric phenomenon caused a “deadly dome” of toxic gases to form, suffocating the victims.
The incident occurred when warmer air trapped methane or hydrogen sulfide fumes close to the ground, making it impossible for Michael and the animals to escape. The 13 cattle initially perished alongside him, with three more dying later, bringing the total death toll to 16.
Michael’s father, Bob Biadasz, co-owner of Biadasz Farms, described the tragedy as a “perfect storm” of unexpected weather conditions that led to the devastating outcome. The family is still reeling from the loss, with Portage County Coroner Scott Rifleman describing their devastation as “absolutely devastating.”
An investigation into Michael’s death is ongoing, but officials have confirmed that abnormal atmospheric pressure prevented the gases from dispersing naturally. Despite Michael having safely emptied the same manure tank hundreds of times in the past, this incident highlights the freak nature of the tragedy.
In the wake of the disaster, there are growing calls for stronger regulations on manure storage systems to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The National Agriculture Safety Database (NASD) recommends proper ventilation in livestock areas and clearly posted warning signs near manure storage sites. “In addition to following sound construction and maintenance practices for liquid manure storage facilities, owners should also take precautionary steps to protect both workers and livestock from hazardous manure gases,” the NASD advises.
Sadly, this is not the first time such an accident has occurred. In 2007, a Virginia family suffered a similar tragedy when five family members died due to a blocked pipe that caused methane gas to accumulate fatally.
The Biadasz family has honored Michael’s memory by parking a line of tractors and farm equipment along the roadside near their farm, featuring a blue tractor, several red trucks, and Michael’s black pickup truck.